Human Resource Challenges for Small Growing Companies in Flanders
Van De Woestyne, Mieke Dewettinck, Koen Van Bruystegem, Kristien
Van De Woestyne, Mieke
Dewettinck, Koen
Van Bruystegem, Kristien
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Publication Type
Journal article
Editor
Supervisor
Publication Year
2010
Journal
Global Business & Organizational Excellence
Book
Publication Volume
29
Publication Issue
4
Publication Begin page
40
Publication End page
52
Publication Number of pages
Collections
Abstract
For Flemish entrepreneurs, human resource management (HRM) is one of the biggest challenges for further development and growth. Hence, we aim to shed light on how successful entrepreneurs in Flanders manage their human resources. Building on the growth models of Greiner and Ulrich, we conducted a qualitative study of various human resource practices within Flemish entrepreneurial firms in different sectors and stages of growth. We investigated the interplay between the focus of HRM and the growth phase of a small or medium-sized enterprise (SME). The main objective is to better understand the major challenges entrepreneurs experience when managing people during the first stages of company growth. Our findings suggest that HRM within growing SMEs shifts from an operational focus on people to a more strategic focus on procedures. Throughout the process of evolution, entrepreneurs need to find the right balance of HR practices, paying attention to formalization, delegation, and coaching.